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Simplified Soccer 

One Hundred and Ten Knotty Problems of 
the Great International Game Made 
Plain and Briefly Explained 



BY 

ROBERT J. GILLESPIE 

j 

President Province of Quebec 
Football Association 



Copyright, 1917, by American Sports Publishing Co. 



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• • • 

©CLA476751 



Simplified Soccer 

One Hundred and Ten Knotty Problems of the Great International 
Game Made Plain and Briefly Explained. 

By Robert J. Gillespie, 
President Province of Quebec Football Association. 

What are the authorized dimensions of the field of play? 

Maximum length, 130 yards; minimum length, 100 yards; maxi- 
mum breadth, 100 yards; minimum breadth, 50 yards. 

What is the authorized height at which the crossbar of the goal 
posts may be suspended above the ground? 

Eight feet. 

What is the authorized width of the space between the goal 
posts? 

Twenty-four feet. 

What is the authorized size of the ball? 

Not less than 27 inches in circumference, nor more than 28 
inches. 

If a team is compelled to start a game with less than a complete 
eleven men, is there any limit to the time when absent players 
may take their places on the field to complete the side? 

No; but if a team starts with eleven men, no substitution of fresh 
players for men who have already played can be allowed. 

In what direction must the ball be kicked when the kickoff is 
taken? 

The ball must be kicked forward, but after it has been played 
once, the second player may kick it in any direction. 

At what distance must the opposing side stand from the ball at 
the time of the kickoff? 

Not less than ten yards. 

If at the time of a kickoff, a player of the defending side 
approaches to a point within ten yards of the ball, or if a player 
on the attacking side crosses the center line or advances in front 
of the ball before the kickoff is properly taken, what is the correct 
action for the referee? 

He must order the players back in position and the kickoff taken 
over again. The kickoff must be taken in correct fashion. 

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In the case of a player taking a throw in from touch, should the 
player be possessed of a powerful throw enabling him to throw 
the ball between the goal posts, no second player having touched 
it, what is the correct decision for the referee? 

A goal kick. The ball has been placed out of play by one of the 
attacking side, behind the goal lines, but in circumstances which 
do not allow a goal to be awarded. 

If a strong wind blowing directly into goal took the ball back 
into the net from a goal kick, no second player having touched the 
ball, what would be the correct decision for the referee to make? 

A corner kick. 

Is it necessary for a player when throwing the ball in from 
touch to have a part of both feet in the line? 

Yes. 

Is a player allowed to stand with his feet apart when throwing 
the ball in? 

Yes. 

Is a player allowed to stand on tiptoe to throw in the ball? 

Yes, if he stands with the toes of both feet on the line. 

Is a player allowed to drop the ball from over his head when 
throwing the ball in? 

No, the ball must be thrown, not dropped. 

Is a player allowed to raise his heels when throwing the ball in? 

Yes, provided he keeps some part of both feet on the touchline. 

If a second player meets a ball legally thrown in and heads or 
kicks the ball over the goal line and between the posts without 
another player touching the ball, is it a goal? 

Yes. 

What is the decision, if a player throwing the ball in persists in 
throwing in from a spot on the line other than that indicated by 
the linesman? 

A free kick. 

Is the player who throws the ball in allowed to play it a second 
time before it has been played by another player? 

No. 

Is the thrower allowed to steady the ball with one hand and 
give the impetus with the other? 

No, it must be thrown with both hands. 

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OCT 25 1917 



Does a player's position as regards being offside or onside depend 
upon where he is when he plays the ball or man or when the 
ball is last played? 

When the ball is last played. 

Is a player offside when, though standing in an offside position, 
does not play the ball but merely charges an opponent? 

Yes. 

Can a player be offside directly from a free kick? 

Yes. 

Can a player be offside directly from a corner kick? 

No. 

When is a corner kick ended? 

Immediately the ball is played by a second player. 

Supposing a player is in an offside position and in going for the 
ball is charged by an opponent, does that place him onside? 

No. 

Can a player run from an offside position and place himself 
onside? 

No, unless during the course of the run, the ball is played by 
an opponent. 

Can a player put himself onside by waiting for three opponents 
to get between him and the goal line before playing the ball? 

No. 

If a player standing offside does not play the ball nor charge 
an opponent, but prevents him getting a clear kick or a view, 
should he be penalized? 

Yes, the law is perfectly clear on that point. 

Would a player be offside who received the ball when it has last 
touched an opponent? 

No. 

Can a player be put onside by the ball striking the referee, goal 
posts, or crossbar? 

No. 

Can a player be offside if behind the ball when last played? 

No. 

What is the minimum distance which opposing players must 
keep from the ball when a goal kick or a corner kick is being 
taken? 

Ten yards. 



May a player when kicking a corner kick remove the corner 
flag staff to facilitate the kick? 

No, the post and boundary flags if properly placed must not be 
disturbed after the game has started. 

Where and within what distance from the corner flag must the 
corner kick be taken? 

Within one yard radius of the flagstaff at the corner nearest 
the spot where the ball was played out of bounds. 

Is the goalkeeper allowed to handle the ball outside the penalty 
area? 

No, if he should do so the correct ruling is a free kick as in any 
other case of hands. 

When a goalkeeper is carrying the ball or bouncing it, what is 
the maximum distance which he may travel? 

The goalkeeper may not take more than two steps while bouncing 
the ball on his hands or carrying it. 

Can the position of goalkeeper be taken up by a second player? 

Yes, but the referee must be notified of the change. 

If goalkeepers are changed and the referee is not notified and 
the substitute goalkeeper handles the ball, what is the correct 
ruling? 

A penalty kick, as in any other case of hands. The new goal- 
keeper is not a goalkeeper until the referee has taken official 
cognizance of the change. 

Is a goalkeeper allowed to take more than two steps when 
bouncing the ball on the ground? 

Yes, there is no limit to the goalkeeper's privileges while he 
bounces the ball on the ground, except when outside the penalty 
area. 

What is the correct decision when a goalkeeper takes more than 
two steps inside the penalty while bouncing the ball on his hands 
or carrying it? 

A free kick, not a penalty kick. 

Can a goalkeeper be charged; if so, in what circumstances inside 
the goal area? 

The goalkeeper may be charged if he is holding the ball or 
obstructing a player, but under no other conditions. If he is in 
the act of fisting or kicking the ball away inside the goal area, he 
cannot be charged; but he may be charged outside the goal area 
in any circumstances. 

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If a player charges a goalkeeper while he is playing the ball, 
but not holding it, what is the correct decision? 

A free kick to the defending side. 

Is a player allowed to obstruct the goalkeeper by standing in 
his way or otherwise impeding him? 

Yes, if he is not offside; but he must not charge the goalkeeper. 

A player attempting to take the ball from a player from behind, 
trips him; what is the correct decision? 

A free kick if the foul is committed outside the penalty area by 
one of the attacking side. If committed inside the penalty area 
by a defender, the correct decision is a penalty kick. 

What is the correct decision if a player intentionally stoops 
before or behind an opponent playing or about to play the ball? 

The same as above. 

Can a player be charged from behind? 

No, except in the case when he is intentionally obstructing an 
opponent. 

A player about to be tackled turns his back to his opponent; 
can he be charged in the back? 

Yes, he is intentionally obstructing his opponent. 

Can a player who is intentionally obstructing an opponent be 
pushed with the hands? 

No. Under no circumstances can a player be pushed with the 
hands. 

Can a goalkeeper keep off an opponent with his hands? 

No. 

What is the correct decision should a defender within the penalty 
area deliberately strike an opponent? 

A penalty kick against the defending side. The offending player 
should be ordered off the field without a caution. 

In what circumstances should a referee award free kicks for 
handling, tripping, pushing, kicking or holding an opponent? 

Only when he is positive that the offense was intentional. 

NOTE: International Board Rule — Cases of handling the ball 
and tripping, pushing, kicking or holding an opponent, and charg- 
ing an opponent from behind may so happen as to be considered 
unintentional, and when this is so no offense is committed. 

Can a player taking a free kick again play the ball before it 
has been played by a second player? 
No. 

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A player is taking a free kick; may another player on the same 
side approach to within ten yards of the ball? 

Yes. 

How far must the ball travel after being kicked from a free 
kick before it is in play? 

It must travel the distance of its circumference. In other words, 
it must cover the distance it would take if it turned, completely 
over at least once. 

Can a free kick be taken in a back direction? 
Yes. 

May a goal be scored from a free kick without the ball being 
played a second time? 

Yes, in the case of all free kicks awarded for infractions of 
Law 9. That is, for handling, tripping, holding, etc. 

In the case of a free kick near the goal, the player taking the 
kick places his foot on the ball, and a second player kicks it 
between the posts. What is the correct decision? 

The kick must be taken ov^er again. The ball must be played the 
distance of its circumference by the player taking the kick. There- 
fore, the kick was not properly taken, and the goal does not count. 

NOTE: A goal may be scored directly from a free kick, but only 
when the kick is awarded for an infringement of Rule 8, as in 
handling, kicking, holding, etc. 

Can a player wear projecting nails, or metal plates on his boots, 
or shin guards? 

No. 

Must bars extend full width of boots? 

Yes. 

What is the minimum width of bars allowed? 

One-half inch. 

What is the maximum depth of bar or studs? 

One-half inch. 

What is the minimum diameter of studs? 

One-half inch. 

Must studs be round? 

Yes. 

Are pointed studs allowed? 

No. 

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Is rubber allowed on boots? 

Yes. 

Must the referee (if required) examine the players' boots before 
match starts? 

Yes, or at any time during the game if he suspects an infringe- 
ment of this rule. 

Can a referee order a player off without caution? 

Yes, in the event of violent conduct. 

Has the referee power to order a player off who is breaking 
any of the laws of the game although not committing any violent 
offense? 

Yes, but the player should be cautioned first. 

To whom should the referee report cases of ordering off the 
field? 

To the Governing Association. 

Can a heavy player unnecessarily use his weight against an 
opponent? 

No. 

What action should the referee take in case of such infringe- 
ment? 

Caution and a free kick. 

NOTE: International Board Rule — Persistent infringement of 
any of the laws of the game is ungentlemanly conduct, within the 
meaning of this law. 

Can a player if injured remain on the field of play and receive 
attention until able to resume? 

No. He must retire or be immediately removed to touch line, 
or behind goal line and game restarted at once. 

NOTE: International Board Rule — All reports by referees to 
be made within two days after this occurrence, Sundays not 
included. 

When a linesman is not neutral, should a referee be guided by 
his decision? 

Not as a rule. 

In what points should a lineman give decisions? 

Throw in, corner and goal kicks. 

Can a referee order a linesman off the field? 

Yes, for misconduct. He may also appoint a successor. 

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Can a suspended official or player act as linesman during his 
suspension? 

No. 

NOTE: Linesmen, when neutral, shall call the attention of the 
referee to rough play, or ungentlemanly conduct, and generally 
assist him to carr}^ out the game in proper manner. 

Should players stop playing for a supposed infringement of the 
laws? 

No, the ball is in play until the referee stops it by blowing his 
whistle or otherwise. 

How should a game be restored after a temporary suspension 
other than for a free or penalty kick, or a thrown in? 

By dropping the ball at the place it was when play was sus- 
pended. 

Can a player play the ball when it touches the ground? 

Yes, but not before. 

If a player from a drop secures the ball and places it between 
the posts, should a goal be allowed, or must it be played by a 
second player? 

A goal should be allowed. 

What and for how many offenses, are penalty kicks given? 

Ten. Striking, kicking, tripping, jumping, handling, holding, 
pushing, charging back, or dangerous violent charging. 

NOTE: Jumping at an opponent is considered intentional at 
all times. If in the opinion of the referee any of the above offenses 
are not intentionally committed by a defender, no action is taken. 

If a defender within the penalty area intentionally kicked an 
opponent, what decision should be given? 

A penalty kick. 

For any infringement of Law 9 within penalty area, can a referee 
order the man off and at the same time award a penalty kick? 

Yes. 

Must the ball in a penalty be kicked forward? 

Yes. 

What decision should be given if it were passed back? 

Free kick. 

Can the ball be played anywhere inside the penalty area when 
a penalty kick is about to be taken? 

No, it must be taken from the penalty mark. 

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Where must players other than the player taking the penalty 
kick stand? 

Outside penalty area lines. 

Is a goalkeeper allowed to advance out of his goal for a penalty 
kick? 

No, he must remain on goal line. 

Can a player taking the penalty play the ball again if it rebounds 
from goal post or crossbar to him? 

No; 

Can the player if the ball strikes the goalkeeper and rebounds 
back to him play it again? 

Yes. 

After having awarded a penalty kick and time expired before 
kick was taken, can the referee allow it to be taken after time 
was up? 

Yes. 

If the ball has crossed the goal or touch lines and a player was 
intentionally tripped, etc., should a penalty be allowed? 

No, the ball must be in the field of play when the offense was 
committed. 

Supposing a player was offside and was intentionally tripped 
by a defending player within the penalty area, should a penalty 
kick be awarded? 

Decidedly; the fact of a player being offside does not nullify the 
penalty law. 



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